Recognition of DNA with assembly of minor groove binders mediated by metal complexation

Genome-targeting molecules would have broad application as probes in genomic study. We recently developed the ligands (Bpy-H) connecting the Hoechst33258 skeleton for DNA binding and 2,2′-bipyridine for Cu2+ complexation. It was shown that L-Bpy-H with a long linker exhibited Cu2+-mediated assembly on the DNA template having two A3T3 sites in a ratio of 1:2:1 DNA-ligand-Cu2+. Binding selectivity depends on the distance between the two A3T3 sites of DNA. In contrast, S-Bpy-H having a short linker tended to form 1:2:2 DNA-ligand-Cu2+ complex.